Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates inter alia to a compound of formula (I) 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     and to compositions comprising the same and to the use of the compounds and to compositions of the compounds in treatment, for example in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, in particular respiratory inflammatory disease. The invention also extends to methods of making the said compounds.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds that inhibit phosphoinositide 3-kinases, (PI3 kinases, PI3K). In particular the disclosure relates to compounds that inhibit the PI3K delta sub-type and, in addition, the gamma sub-type thereof, and to their use in therapy, including in pharmaceutical combinations, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory diseases of the lung, such as COPD and asthma. The invention also extends to methods of preparing the said compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lipid kinases catalyse the phosphorylation of lipids to produce species involved in the regulation of a wide range of physiological processes, including cellular migration and adhesion. The PI3 kinases (PI3K) are membrane associated proteins and belong to the class of enzymes which catalyse the phosphorylation of lipids which are themselves associated with cell membranes. The PI3K delta isozyme (PI3K δ) is one of four isoforms of type I PI3K kinases responsible for generating various 3′-phosphorylated phosphoinositides, that mediate cellular signalling and have been implicated in inflammation, growth factor signalling, malignant transformation and immunity [See Review by Rameh, L. E. and Cantley, L. C. J. Biol. Chem., 1999, 274:8347-8350.].

The involvement of PI3K in controlling inflammation has been confirmed in several models using pan-active PI3K inhibitors, such as LY-294002 and Wortmannin [Ito, K. et al., J Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 2007, 321:1-8.]. Recent studies have been conducted using either selective PI3K inhibitors or in knock-out mice lacking a specific enzyme isoform as described below. These studies have demonstrated the role of pathways controlled by PI3K enzymes in inflammation. The PI3K δ selective inhibitor IC-87114 was found to inhibit airways hyper-responsiveness, IgE release, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inflammatory cell accumulation into the lung and vascular permeability in ovalbumin-sensitized, ovalbumin-challenged mice [Lee, K. S. et al., J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 2006, 118:403-409 and Lee, K. S. et al., FASEB J., 2006, 20:455-65.]. In addition, IC-87114 lowered neutrophil accumulation in the lungs of mice and neutrophil function, stimulated by TNFα [Sadhu, C. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2003, 308:764-9].

The PI3K δ isoform is activated by insulin and other growth factors, as well as by G-protein coupled protein signaling and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, studies using knockout mice revealed that activation of PI3K γ may be important in the pathogenesis of asthma. For example, murine mast cell responses are exacerbated in vitro and in vivo by autocrine signals which require functional PI3K γ. Mice that lacked PI3K γ did not exhibit edema when challenged by passive systemic anaphylaxis [Wymann M. P. et al., Biochem. Soc. Trans., 2003, 31:275-80.]. Thus PI3K γ relays inflammatory signals through various G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), especially by controlling mast cell function. Eosinophil accumulation in ovalbumin sensitised and challenged mice was also reported to be inhibited in these PI3K γ-deficient mice, as compared with wild-type animals [Lim D. H. et al., Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol., 2009, 296(2):L210-L219]. Finally, treatment with a PI3K γ inhibitor attenuated IL-13-augmented airway contractility of lung slices [Jiang H. et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 2012, 342(2):305-11.].

Recently the PI3K dual δ/γ inhibitor TG100-115 was reported to inhibit pulmonary eosinophilia and decrease interleukin-13 levels, mucin accumulation and airways hyper-responsiveness in a murine model, when administered by aerosolisation. The same authors also reported that the compound was able to inhibit pulmonary neutrophilia elicited by either LPS or cigarette smoke [Doukas, J. et al., J Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 2009, 328:758-765.]. Other small molecule inhibitors of PI3K δ and γ were reported to produce superior inhibition of LPS induced TNFα production and T cell activation when compared with PI3K δ selective inhibitors [Williams O. et al., Chem Biol., 2010, 17(2):123-34.].

Since it is also activated by oxidative stress, the PI3K δ isoform is likely to be relevant as a target for therapeutic intervention in those diseases where a high level of oxidative stress is implicated. Downstream mediators of the PI3K signal transduction pathway include Akt (a serine/threonine protein kinase) and the mammalian target of rapamycin, the enzyme mTOR. Recent work has suggested that activation of PI3K δ, leading to phosphorylation of Akt, is able to induce a state of corticosteroid resistance in otherwise corticosteroid-sensitive cells [To, Y. et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 2010, 182:897-904.]. These observations have led to the hypothesis that this signalling cascade could be one mechanism responsible for the corticosteroid-insensitivity of inflammation observed in the lungs of patients suffering from COPD, as well as in those asthmatics who smoke, thereby subjecting their lungs to increased oxidative stress. Indeed, theophylline, a compound used in the treatment of both COPD and asthma, has been suggested to reverse steroid insensitivity through mechanisms involving interaction with pathways controlled by PI3 kinase δ [To, Y. et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 2010, 182:897-904.].

At present the mainstay of treatment for both asthma and COPD is inhaled therapy, using a combination of corticosteroids, muscarinic antagonists and β₂-agonists, as judged clinically appropriate. One way of addressing the unmet medical needs in COPD and asthma is to identify new inhaled medicines, which have the potential to provide significant benefit when used either as a monotherapy or in combination with one or more medicaments from these three pharmacological classes. Therefore, there remains a need to identify and develop isoform selective PI3K inhibitors which have the potential to provide enhanced therapeutic efficacy in asthma, COPD and other inflammatory diseases.

WO 2012/052753 discloses: 6-(2-((4-amino-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-(2-chlorobenzyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-5-yl)-N,N-bis(2-methoxyethyl)hex-5-ynamide, referred to herein as prior art Compound A.

WO 2011/048111 discloses certain 3-benzyl-5-alkynyl-quinazolin-4(3H)-ones

A compound example disclosed therein is 2-((4-amino-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-3-(2-fluorobenzyl)-5-(3-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-ynyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one, referred to herein as Example 50.

Neither of these prior art compounds possess the same advantageous profile of the compound of formula (I) described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a compound of formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, including all stereoisomers, tautomers and isotopic derivatives thereof.

A comparison of the in vitro profiles of prior art compounds Compound A and Example 50 with the compound of the present disclosure is presented herein below (see Table 1 in Experimental Section). The compound of the present invention is a particularly potent dual PI3K δ/γ isoform inhibitor, a pharmacological feature that confers upon it a distinct and advantageous therapeutic profile over compounds disclosed previously. This aspect of the invention is particularly evident from the in vivo profile of the compound of formula (I) in animal models that are predictors of therapeutic efficacy and clinical benefit in pulmonary inflammation (see Tables 4-8 in the Experimental Section).

In one embodiment the compound of the present disclosure has improved inhibitory activity over prior art compounds when compared in an in vivo assay that measures the ability of a test substance to inhibit poly IC induced influx of neutrophils into mouse lung. The improvement demonstrated may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 fold (or more) over known compounds, previously disclosed in the art.

Activity in the in vivo poly IC assay is considered indicative of the potential of the compound of the present invention to inhibit virus-induced exacerbations in patients suffering with asthma or with COPD. It is thought that viral infections induce disease exacerbations by worsening inflammation in the lungs of patients and by generating a steroid resistant phenotype. Poly IC stimulates one of the mechanisms through which viruses are pro-inflammatory.

The drug-like properties of the compound described herein, including its intrinsic physical and chemical stability, solubility profile, and especially its distinctive biological activity render the said compound particularly suitable for use as a pharmaceutical agent and in particular for the treatment of inflammatory mediated diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 a: is a bar graph representing the effects of treatment with compound (I) or compound A on poly-I:C-induced neutrophil accumulation in mouse airways.

FIG. 1 b: shows a comparison of the inhibitory potencies of compound (I) against compound A on poly-I:C-induced neutrophil accumulation in mouse airways

FIG. 2a : is a bar graph representing the effect of treatment with compound (I) or compound A on cigarette smoke-induced macrophage accumulation in murine BALF.

FIG. 2b : is a bar graph representing the effect of treatment with compound (I) or compound A on cigarette smoke-induced neutrophil accumulation in murine BALF.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term inhibitor as employed herein is intended to refer to a compound that reduces (for example by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more) or eliminates the biological activity of the target protein, for example the PI3K δ isozyme, in an in vitro enzyme assay.

The term delta/gamma (δ/γ) inhibitor as employed herein is intended to refer to the fact that the compound inhibits, to some degree, inhibitory activity at both enzyme isoforms although not necessarily to the same extent.

The compound of the present disclosure is active in cell based screening systems and thereby demonstrates that it possesses suitable properties for penetrating cells and is able to exert intracellular pharmacological effects (see Table 2 and Table 3 in the Experimental Section).

The compound of the present disclosure has therapeutically relevant and desirable pharmaceutical properties for a medicament, for example physico-chemical features including adequate chemical and photostability, an appropriate solubility profile and potent activity.

In one embodiment there is a provided a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt of the compound of the invention.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts referred to hereinabove are meant to comprise the therapeutically active, non-toxic, acid addition salts that the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. These pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can conveniently be obtained by treating the free base form of the compound of formula (I) with an example of such appropriate acids. Appropriate acids comprise, for example, inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, and sulfuric, and phosphoric acids and the like; or organic acids such as, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxyacetic, lactic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, methanesulfonic, para-toluenesulfonic, cyclamic, salicylic, para-aminosalicylic, pamoic acid and the like.

Examples of salts of the compound of formula (I) include all pharmaceutically acceptable salts, such as, without limitation, acid addition salts of mineral acids such as HCl and HBr salts and addition salts of organic acids such as a methanesulfonic acid salt. Further examples include sulphuric acid salts and phosphoric acid salts.

In one embodiment there is provided 2-((4-amino-3-(3-fluoro-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-5-(3-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-yn-1-yl)-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one as the free base.

The invention also extends to solvates of the compounds disclosed herein. Examples of solvates include hydrates.

The compounds of the disclosure include those where the atom specified is a naturally occurring or non-naturally occurring isotope. In one embodiment the isotope is a stable isotope. Thus the compounds of the disclosure include, for example those containing one or more deuterium atoms in place of hydrogen atoms and the like.

The disclosure also extends to all polymorphic forms of the compounds herein defined.

The compounds of formula (I) may be conveniently prepared by a process comprising reacting a compound of formula (II):

or a protected derivate thereof wherein LG₁ represents a leaving group such as halo, in particular bromo, with a compound of formula (III):

in the presence of a suitable catalyst and an organic base and in a polar aprotic solvent under an inert atmosphere. Suitable catalysts include palladium catalysts such as bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (II) dichloride, in the presence of copper iodide. A suitable polar aprotic solvent for this transformation is DMF and a suitable inert atmosphere is nitrogen.

For synthetic processes in which the compound of formula (II) is a protected derivative, the compound of formula (I) is revealed by an appropriate deprotection step, as is well known and practiced in the art. For example when the phenol present in the compounds of formula (I) is protected with a silyl group, for example with a tert-butyldimethylsilyl group the deprotection step can be effected by treatment with a reagent such as tetrabutylammonium fluoride in the presence of a polar aprotic solvent such as DMF. The reaction may be performed at a reduced temperature, such as at 0° C.

Compounds of formula (II) can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IV):

or a protected derivative thereof, wherein LG₁ is a leaving group, as defined hereinabove for compounds of formula (II) and LG₂ is also a leaving group such as halo, for example a halogen atom and suitably a chlorine, with a compound of formula (V):

or a protected derivative thereof, in the presence of a base and in a polar aprotic solvent.

Suitable bases for this transformation include potassium carbonate and a suitable polar aprotic solvent is DMF.

Synthetic processes include those for which is deemed advantageous to protect the phenolic hydroxyl of the compound of formula (VII) during the coupling step and suitable protected derivatives include a tertbutyldimethylsilyl ether and a tert-butyl ether.

Alternatively compounds of formula (II) can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (VI):

or a protected derivative thereof, wherein LG₁, is as defined above for compounds of formula (II) and LG₃ represents a leaving group such as halo, in particular iodo, with a compound of formula (VII):

or a protected derivate thereof, in the presence of a suitable noble metal catalyst, an inorganic base and in a polar protic solvent, under an inert atmosphere; followed, where appropriate, by deprotection.

A suitable catalyst is tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0).

A suitable inorganic base is sodium carbonate and a suitable polar protic solvent is ethanol.

The reaction may be performed at an elevated temperature, for example at 85° C. for an extended period such as, for example, 3 days before cooling to RT.

Protecting groups may be advantageous to mask chemically sensitive groups during one or more of the reaction sequences described above, to ensure that one or more of the processes are efficient. Thus if desired or necessary, intermediate compounds may be protected by the use of conventional protecting groups. Protecting groups and means for their removal are described in “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, by Theodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts, published by John Wiley & Sons Inc; 4^(th) Rev Ed., 2006, ISBN-10: 0471697540.

Novel intermediates are claimed as an aspect of the invention.

Advantageously, compound (I) of the present invention does not exhibit atropisomerism.

In one aspect the compound is useful in treatment, for example COPD and/or asthma.

The PI3K compounds developed to date have typically been intended for oral administration. Typically this strategy involves the optimisation of a compound's pharmacokinetic profile in order to achieve an adequate duration of action. In this way a sufficiently high drug concentration is established and maintained between doses to provide continuous clinical benefit. An inevitable and frequently undesired consequence of this approach is that non-targeted body tissues, especially the liver and the gut, are likely to be exposed to pharmacologically active concentrations of the drug.

An alternative strategy is to design treatment regimens in which the drug is dosed directly to the inflamed organ (for example topical therapy). Although this approach is not suitable for treating all chronic inflammatory conditions, it has been extensively exploited in treating lung diseases (asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis), skin lesions (atopic dermatitis and psoriasis), nasal diseases (allergic rhinitis), eye disease (allergic conjunctivitis) and gastrointestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis).

In topical therapy, the desired efficacy can sometimes be achieved by ensuring that the drug has a sustained duration of action and is retained predominantly in the target organ, thereby minimising the risks of systemic toxicity. Alternatively an appropriate formulation can be used which generates a “reservoir” of the active drug which is then available to sustain the desired effects. The first approach is exemplified in the use of the anticholinergic drug tiotropium bromide (Spiriva HandiHaler®), which is administered topically to the lung as a treatment for COPD. This compound has an exceptionally high affinity for its target receptor resulting in a very slow off rate (dissociation rate) and a consequent sustained duration of action.

There is provided according to one aspect of the present disclosure use of the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical formulation containing it, as a PI3 kinase inhibitor, for example administered topically to the lung.

Thus in one embodiment the compound of the present disclosure is intended for us by topical administration to the lungs in order to maximise therapeutic benefit to patients whilst minimising the potential for undesirable systemic effects. It is therefore advantageous that the compound of formula (I) is rapidly metabolised once it has reached the general circulation and that the product(s) of turnover is/are less active than the parent molecule.

A likely principal product of first pass metabolism of the compound of formula (I) is the corresponding alcohol, compound (Ia), which would arise from O-demethylation, a metabolic process which is a common feature for structures of this chemotype. This possible metabolic product is significantly less active than the compound of formula (I) as a PI3K inhibitor at both the α and β subtypes (see Table 2 in the Experimental Section).

Thus, in one aspect is provided a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, including all stereoisomers, tautomers and isotopic derivatives thereof.

In one aspect of the disclosure the compound of the invention is particularly suitable for topical delivery, such as topical delivery to the lungs, in particular for the treatment of COPD.

Thus is one aspect there is provided use of a compound of the invention for the treatment of COPD and/or asthma, in particular COPD or severe asthma, by inhalation i.e. by topical administration to the lung. Advantageously, administration to the lung allows the beneficial effects of the compounds to be realised whilst minimising the side-effects, for patients.

In one embodiment the compounds are suitable for sensitizing patients to treatment with a corticosteroid.

Further, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to the disclosure optionally in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers.

Diluents and carriers may include those suitable for parenteral, oral, topical, mucosal and rectal administration, and may be different depending on the route of administration.

In one embodiment compositions may be prepared e.g. for parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intra-articular or peri-articular administration, particularly in the form of liquid solutions or suspensions; for oral administration, particularly in the form of tablets or capsules; for topical e.g. pulmonary or intranasal administration, particularly in the form of powders, nasal drops or aerosols and transdermal administration; for mucosal administration e.g. to buccal, sublingual or vaginal mucosa, and for rectal administration e.g. in the form of a suppository.

The compositions may conveniently be administered in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well-known in the pharmaceutical art, for example as described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., (1985).

Formulations for parenteral administration may contain as excipients sterile water or saline, alkylene glycols such as propylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, oils of vegetable origin, hydrogenated naphthalenes and the like.

Formulations for nasal administration may be solid and may contain excipients, for example, lactose or dextran, or may be aqueous or oily solutions for use in the form of nasal drops or metered spray. For buccal administration typical excipients include sugars, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinated starch, and the like.

Compositions suitable for oral administration may comprise one or more physiologically compatible carriers and/or excipients and may be in solid or liquid form. Tablets and capsules may be prepared with binding agents, for example, syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or poly-vinylpyrollidone; fillers, such as lactose, sucrose, corn starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol, or glycine; lubricants, such as magnesium stearate, talc, polyethylene glycol, or silica; and surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Liquid compositions may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, for example sorbitol syrup, methyl cellulose, sugar syrup, gelatin, carboxymethyl-cellulose, or edible fats; emulsifying agents such as lecithin, or acacia; vegetable oils such as almond oil, coconut oil, cod liver oil, or peanut oil; preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Liquid compositions may be encapsulated in, for example, gelatin to provide a unit dosage form.

Solid oral dosage forms include tablets, two-piece hard shell capsules and soft elastic gelatin (SEG) capsules.

A dry shell formulation typically comprises of about 40%-60% concentration of gelatin, about a 20%-30% concentration of plasticizer (such as glycerin, sorbitol or propylene glycol) and about a 30%-40% concentration of water. Other materials such as preservatives, dyes, opacifiers and flavours also may be present. The liquid fill material comprises a solid drug that has been dissolved, solubilized or dispersed (with suspending agents such as beeswax, hydrogenated castor oil or polyethylene glycol 4000) or a liquid drug in vehicles or combinations of vehicles such as mineral oil, vegetable oils, triglycerides, glycols, polyols and surface-active agents.

Suitably the compound of formula (I) is administered topically to the lung. Hence in one embodiment there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the disclosure optionally in combination with one or more topically acceptable diluents or carriers. Topical administration to the lung may be achieved by use of an aerosol formulation. Aerosol formulations typically comprise the active ingredient suspended or dissolved in a suitable aerosol propellant, such as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). Suitable CFC propellants include trichloromonofluoromethane (propellant 11), dichlorotetrafluoromethane (propellant 114), and dichlorodifluoromethane (propellant 12). Suitable HFC propellants include tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and heptafluoropropane (HFC-227). The propellant typically comprises 40%-99.5% e.g. 40%-90% by weight of the total inhalation composition. The formulation may comprise excipients including co-solvents (e.g. ethanol) and surfactants (e.g. lecithin, sorbitan trioleate and the like). Aerosol formulations are packaged in canisters and a suitable dose is delivered by means of a metering valve (e.g. as supplied by Bespak, Valois or 3M).

Topical administration to the lung may also be achieved by use of a non-pressurised formulation such as an aqueous solution or suspension. This may be administered by means of a nebuliser. Topical administration to the lung may also be achieved by use of a dry-powder formulation. A dry powder formulation will contain the compound of the disclosure in finely divided form, typically with a mass mean diameter (MMAD) of 1-10 μm. The formulation will typically contain a topically acceptable diluent such as lactose, usually of large particle size e.g. a mass mean diameter (MMAD) of 100 μm or more. Example dry powder delivery systems include SPINHALER®, DISKHALER®, TURBOHALER®, DISKUS®, SKYEHALER®, ACCUHALER® and CLICKHALER®.

In one embodiment a compound of the present invention is provided as a micronized dry powder formulation, for example comprising lactose of a suitable grade, filled into a device such as DISKUS.

The compounds according to the disclosure are intended to have therapeutic activity. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a compound of the disclosure for use as a medicament.

The compounds according to the disclosure may also be useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders including COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), asthma, paediatric asthma, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and virally induced exacerbations of any one of the same, repiratory virus infection, especially asthma, chronic bronchitis and COPD.

Respiratory viruses include influenza, respiratory syncytical virus, human parainfluenza virus, SARS coronavirus and adenoviruses.

The compound of the disclosure may also re-sensitise the patient's condition to treatment with a corticosteroid, when previously the patient's condition had become refractory to the same.

In one embodiment of the invention a dose of the present compound is employed that is equal to that suitable for use as a monotherapy but administered in combination with a corticosteriod.

In one embodiment a dose of the compound of formula (I) that would be sub-therapeutic as a single agent is employed, in combination with a corticosteroid, thereby restoring patient responsiveness to the latter, in instances where the patient had previously become refractory to the same.

Additionally, the compound of the disclosure may exhibit anti-viral activity and, for example, prove useful in the treatment of viral exacerbations of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and/or COPD.

The compound of the present disclosure may also be useful in the prophylaxis, treatment or amelioration of disease or the complications of disease associated with influenza virus, rhinovirus and/or respiratory syncytial virus.

In one embodiment there is provided a compound of formula (I) for use in the treatment or prevention of viral infection or inflammatory complications induced by viral infection.

The compound of formula (I), according to the disclosure is also expected to be useful in the treatment of certain conditions which may be treated by topical or local therapy including allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, inflamed joints secondary to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

In one embodiment the compound of formula (I) is considered useful in the treatment of Hepatitis C and/or HIV, when administered by an appropriate route. Appropriate routes of administration may include oral, intravenous injection or infusion.

In one embodiment the compound of formula (I) for the treatment of Hepatitis C is delivered to the blood pre-entry to the liver.

The compound of the disclosure is also expected to be useful in the treatment of certain other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, cachexia, inhibition of the growth and metastasis of tumours including non-small cell lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, colorectal carcinomas and malignant melanoma.

In one embodiment the presently disclosed compound and pharmaceutical formulations comprising the same are useful in the treatment or prevention of cancer, in particular lung cancer, especially by topical administration to the lung.

Thus, in a further aspect, the present invention provides the compound as described herein for use in the treatment of one or more of the above mentioned conditions.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides use of the compound as described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of one or more of the above mentioned conditions.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of treatment of the above mentioned conditions which comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of the compound of the disclosure or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

The compound described herein may also be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of one or more of the above-identified diseases.

The word “treatment” is intended to embrace prophylaxis as well as therapeutic treatment.

The compound of the disclosure may also be administered in combination with one or more other active ingredients e.g. active ingredients suitable for treating the above mentioned conditions. For example possible combinations for treatment of respiratory disorders include combinations with corticosteroids (e.g. budesonide, beclomethasone dipropionate, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, fluticasone furoate), beta agonists (e.g. terbutaline, salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, indacaterol) and/or xanthines (e.g. theophylline), musacarinic antagonists, (e.g. ipratropium) and/or a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor.

In one embodiment the compound of the disclosure is administered in combination with an antiviral agent, for example acyclovir, oseltamivir, relenza or interferon.

In one embodiment the combination of active ingredients are co-formulated.

In one embodiment the compound of the present disclosure is co-formulated with a corticosteroid as a formulation for inhalation, for example for use in maintenance therapy of COPD or lung cancer including prevention of the latter.

In one embodiment the combination of active ingredients is simply co-administered.

In one embodiment there is provided a combination product comprising:

-   -   (A) a compound of the present disclosure; and     -   (B) a further active ingredient e.g. selected from         corticosteroids, beta agonists, xanthenes, musacarinic         antagonists and p38 MAP kinase inhibitors.

wherein each of components (A) and (B) is formulated in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

In one embodiment there is provided a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 for use as a medicament to be administered in combination with one or more further active ingredients e.g. selected from corticosteroids, beta agonists, xanthenes, musacarinic antagonists and p38 MAP kinase inhibitors.

In one embodiment the compound of the disclosure is administered by inhalation and a corticosteroid is administered orally or by inhalation either in combination or separately.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

Abbreviations used herein are defined below (Table 1). Any abbreviations not defined are intended to convey their generally accepted meaning.

TABLE 1 Abbreviations aq aqueous Ac acetyl ACD acid citrate dextrose ATP adenosine-5′-triphosphate BALF bronchoalveolae lavage fluid br broad BSA bovine serum albumin COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease CXCL1 CXC motif chemokine ligand 1 CXCL8 CXC motif chemokine ligand 8 d doublet DCM dichloromethane DMAP 4-dimethylaminopyridine DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide EDC•HCl 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ES⁺) electrospray ionization, positive mode Et ethyl EtOAc ethyl acetate EtOH ethanol FACS fluorescence-activated cell sorting FCS foetal calf serum FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate FP fluticasone propionate HPLC-MS high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry hr hour(s) HRP horseradish peroxidase IFNγ Interferon gamma i-n intra-nasal i-t intra-tracheal IL-4 interleukin 4 IL-5 interleukin 5 IL-13 interleukin 13 IL-17 Interleukin 17 LPS lipopolysaccharide IPA isopropanol [propan-2-ol] M molar (M + H)⁺ protonated molecular ion MCP-1 monocyte chemoattractant protein MDA malondialdehyde Me methyl MeOH methanol MHz megahertz min minute(s) MOMA-2 anti-monocyte and macrophage antibody MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide m/z mass-to-charge ratio NH₄OAc ammonium acetate nm nanometre NMR nuclear magnetic resonance (spectroscopy) OVA ovalbumin PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cell(s) PBS phosphate buffered saline Pd₂(dba)₃ tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride Ph phenyl PIP2 phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate PIP3 phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate PMA phorbol myristate acetate po by oral administration PPh₃ triphenylphosphine q quartet quin quintet R^(t) retention time RT room temperature RP HPLC reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography s singlet SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate SEM standard error of the mean t triplet TMB 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine TNFα tumour necrosis factor alpha TR-FRET time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer

General Procedures

All starting materials and solvents were obtained either from commercial sources or prepared according to the literature citation. Unless otherwise stated all reactions were stirred. Organic solutions were routinely dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate.

Column chromatography was performed on pre-packed silica (230-400 mesh, 40-63 μm) cartridges using the amount indicated.

Analytical Methods

Analytical LCMS

Analytical LCMS was carried out using a Waters Xselect CSH C₁₈ 3.5 μm column (4.6×50 mm) with a flow rate of 2.5-4.5 mL min⁻¹ eluting with a H₂O-MeCN gradient containing 0.1% v/v formic acid over 4 min. Gradient information: 0-3.00 min, ramped from 95% H₂O-5% MeCN to 5% H₂O-95% MeCN; 3.00-3.01 min, held at 5% H₂O-95% MeCN, flow rate increased to 4.5 mL min⁻¹; 3.01 3.50 min, held at 5% H₂O-95% MeCN; 3.50-3.60 min, returned to 95% H₂O-5% MeCN, flow rate reduced to 3.50 mL min⁻¹; 3.60-3.90 min, held at 95% H₂O-5% MeCN; 3.90-4.00 min, held at 95% H₂O-5% MeCN, flow rate reduced to 2.5 mL min⁻¹. Sample containing fractions were detected by their UV absorbance at 254 nm. Mass spectra of the eluted peaks were measured using an Agilent 6120 quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in mixed positive and negative ion electrospray modes.

¹H NMR Spectroscopy

¹H NMR spectra were acquired on a Bruker Avance Ill spectrometer at 400 MHz using residual undeuterated solvent as reference and unless specified otherwise were run in DMSO-d₆.

Intermediate A: 2-((4-Amino-3-iodo-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-5-bromo-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one

To a stirred mixture of 2-bromo-6-(2-chloroacetamido)benzoic acid [King-Underwood et al., WO2011/048111], (50.0 g, 171 mmol), (2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanamine (29.4 mL, 205 mmol) and triethylamine (34 mL, 430 mmol) in toluene (1.2 L) at −1° C. was added a solution of phosphorus trichloride (37 mL, 430 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) dropwise over 1 hr, during which time the internal temperature was maintained below 5° C. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 2.5 hr and the resulting suspension was then filtered whilst still hot. The filtrate was retained and the collected solid was suspended in fresh toluene (100 mL), and was heated to 90° C. with vigorous stirring. The solid was removed by filtration and the the organic extracts containing the crude product were combined.

A second batch of this material was prepared by repeating the reaction under identical conditions on the same scale. The combined filtrates from both reactions were evaporated in vacuo and the residue was triturated with IPA (2×400 mL). The crude material so obtained was dried in vacuo to afford 5-bromo-2-(chloromethyl)-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one as an off-white solid (100 g, 90% purity by HPLC, 61%); R^(t) 2.70 min; m/z 431/433 (M+H)⁺ (ES⁺).

To a solution of the quinazolinone, obtained as described above, (100 g, 90% pure, 210 mmol) and 3-iodo-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (50.4 g, 193 mmol) in DMF (600 mL) at RT was added potassium carbonate (80.0 g, 580 mmol) and after 18 hr the reaction mixture was poured into water (1.2 L). The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, and was washed sequentially with water (500 mL), with EtOAc (600 mL) and finally with Et₂O (400 mL). The resulting cake was dried in vacuo to afford the title compound, Intermediate A, as an off white solid (115 g, 89%); R^(t) 2.28 min, m/z 656/658 (M+H)⁺ (ES⁺).

Intermediate B: 2-((4-Amino-3-(3-fluoro-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-5-bromo-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one

A solution of Intermediate A (54.4 g, 83.0 mmol), (3-fluoro-5-hydroxyphenyl)boronic acid (15.5 g, 99.0 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (19.1 g, 83.0 mmol) in 1-butanol (900 mL) was sparged with nitrogen at RT for 20 min. The mixture was treated with PPh₃ (3.26 g, 12.4 mmol) and with Pd₂(dba)₃ (1.90 g, 2.07 mmol) and was sparged with nitrogen for an additional 10 min and was then heated to 90° C. under a flow of nitrogen. After 40 hr the mixture was cooled to 70° C. and water (250 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was cooled to 50° C. for 3 hr and then to RT for 3 days during which time a beige precipitate formed. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with 1-butanol (2×100 mL) and with water (2×100 mL) and was then dried in vacuo at 40° C. to afford the title compound, Intermediate B, as an off-white solid (35.2 g, 65%); R^(t) 2.25 min, m/z 640/642 (M+H)⁺ (ES⁺).

Compound (I): 2-((4-Amino-3-(3-fluoro-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-5-(3-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-yn-1-yl)-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one

A suspension of Intermediate B (35.2 g, 55.0 mmol), 3-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-yne [King-Underwood et al., WO2011/048111], (17.4 g, 110 mmol), PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ (3.86 g, 5.50 mmol) and copper(I) iodide (1.05 g, 5.50 mmol) in a mixture of Et₂NH and DMF (4:1 v/v, 820 mL) was sparged with nitrogen at RT for 10 min. The mixture was heated to 65° C. for 1.5 hr and was then cooled to RT. The volatiles were evaporated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc (600 mL) and sat. aq. NH₄OAc (650 mL). The aq layer was separated and was extracted with EtOAc (300 mL) and the combined organic layers were evaporated in vacuo to afford a dark brown viscous oil. Methanol (200 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 hr. A yellow precipitate was formed which was collected by filtration and washed with MeOH (100 mL). The resulting solid was purified by flash column chromatography in two separate batches (SiO₂, 330 g, MeOH in DCM, 0-6%, gradient elution). The purified materials were taken up together, in a mixture of DCM/MeOH (10:1 v/v) to give a homogeneous solution which was then evaporated and dried in vacuo to afford the title compound, Compound (I), as an off-white solid (20.1 g, 51%); Rt 2.15 min, m/z 718 (M+H)⁺ (ES⁺); ¹H NMR δ: 3.19 (3H, s), 3.35-3.38 (2H, overlapping m), 3.44-3.49 (4H, overlapping m), 3.60-3.63 (2H, overlapping m), 4.37 (2H, s), 5.49 (2H, s), 5.76 (2H, s), 6.42 (1H, d), 6.65 (1H, m), 6.73 (1H, m), 6.79 (1H, m), 7.15 (1H, t), 7.28 (1H, t), 7.52 (1H, d), 7.65-7.69 (2H, overlapping m), 7.82 (1H, m), 8.12 (1H, s), 10.15 (1H, s)

Compound (Ia): 2-((4-Amino-3-(3-fluoro-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)methyl)-5-(3-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)prop-1-yn-1-yl)-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one

A suspension of Intermediate B (190 mg, 0.297 mmol), 2-(2-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)ethoxy)ethanol [King-Underwood et al., WO2011/048111] (257 mg, 0.890 mmol), PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ (208 mg, 0.297 mmol) and copper(I) iodide (57 mg, 0.30 mmol) in a mixture of Et₂NH and DMF (4:1 v/v, 7.5 mL) was degassed with N₂ and was then heated to 60° C. for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and was evaporated in vacuo onto silica gel and purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂, 12 g, MeOH in DCM, 0-5%, gradient elution) to afford the title compound, Compound (Ia), as a pale tan solid (30 mg, 14%); Rt 1.88 min, m/z 704 (M+H)⁺ (ES⁺); ¹H NMR δ: 3.36-3.50 (6H, overlapping m), 3.61-3.63 (2H, overlapping m), 4.37 (2H, s), 4.58 (1H, m), 5.48 (2H, s), 5.76 (2H, s), 6.41 (1H, d), 6.64 (1H, m), 6.72 (1H, d), 6.78 (1H, s), 7.14 (1H, t), 7.27 (1H, t), 7.52 (1H, d), 7.65-7.71 (2H, overlapping m), 7.82 (1H, t), 8.13 (1H, s), 10.19 (1H, br s).

The additional complexity and consequences for drug development resulting from atropisomerism are analogous to those arising from other sources of molecular isomerism such as the presence of a stereogenic centre. This property renders such molecules both chiral, and unless resolved, a racemic mixture; the components of which could possess different pharmacological and toxicological profiles. This feature is likely to significantly increase downstream development costs for such molecules, and the absence of atropisomerism in compound (I) is therefore a highly desirable and advantageous property.

Biological Testing: Experimental Methods

Enzyme Inhibition Assay

The PI3K enzymes catalyse the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) in the presence of ATP and Mg²⁺ ions. The PIP3 product can be detected by displacement of biotin-PIP3 from energy transfer complexes consisting of europium labelled anti-GST monoclonal antibody, a GST-tagged Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, biotinylated PIP3 and streptavidin-allophycocyanin (APC) by the time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) (HTRF®PI3K enzyme assay, Millipore). Excitation, at 330 nm, of europium in the complex results in an energy transfer to the APC and a fluorescent emission at 665 nm although europium itself emits at its characteristic wavelength of 620 nm. The PIP3 product formed by PI3K activity displaces biotin-PIP3 from the complex and results in a loss of energy transfer (decreasing signal).

The compound to be tested was added, at the desired final concentrations, to a mixture of PIP2 substrate and a recombinant PI3K enzyme (either α, β or δ isoforms, ex Millipore, or γ isoform [p110γ+p101 construct], ex United States Biological, Swampscott, Mass.) and the mixture incubated for 2 hr at RT. Following this incubation period, ATP (10 μM) was added to the enzyme/compound/PIP2 substrate mixture and the resulting mixture was incubated for a further 30 min at RT. A stopping solution containing biotinylated PIP3 and the detection mix containing the GST tagged GRP1 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and fluorophores were then added and the mixture was incubated at RT for 15-18 hr, prior to detection in a fluorescence microplate reader (Synergy 4, BioTek UK, Bedfordshire, UK).

The results were calculated according to the formula: APC signal (emission at 665 nm)/europium signal (emission at 620 nm)×10⁴. The percentage inhibition of each reaction was calculated relative to DMSO treated control, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ value) then calculated from the concentration-response curve.

PI3K δ Cell Based Assay

As a means of assessing PI3K δ activation in response to stimuli, the phosphorylation status of the protein, Akt, a downstream product of PI3Kδ, signaling was determined.

U937 cells, obtained from a human, leukemic, monocyte lymphoma cell line, were differentiated to macrophage-type cells by incubation with PMA (100 ng/mL) for 48 to 72 hr. Cells were then pre-incubated with either the test compound or vehicle for 2 hr and were then stimulated briefly by exposure to H₂O₂ (10 mM, 5-7 min) and the reaction stopped by replacing the media with 4% formaldehyde solution. Endogenous peroxide activity and formaldehyde were inactivated by incubating with quenching buffer (0.1% sodium azide, 1% H₂O₂ in PBS with 0.1% Triton X-100) for 20 min. The cells were washed with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100) and were incubated with blocking solution (1% BSA in PBS) for 1 hr and were then re-washed with buffer and incubated overnight with either anti-pAkt antibody or anti-pan-Akt antibody (both from Cell Signaling Technology). After washing with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100), cells were incubated with an HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (Dako) and the resultant signal was determined colorimetrically (OD: 450 nm with a reference wavelength of 655 nm) using TMB substrate (substrate reagent pack supplied by R&D Systems, Inc.).

This reaction was stopped by the addition of H₂SO₄ solution (100 μL). Cells were then washed with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100) and 5% crystal violet solution (100 μL) was applied for 30 min. After washing with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100) 1% SDS (100 μL) was added to each well and the plates were shaken lightly for 1 hr prior to measuring the absorbance at 595 nm (Varioskan® Flash, Thermo-Fisher Scientific). The measured OD₄₅₀₋₆₅₅ readings were corrected for cell number by dividing the OD₄₅₀₋₆₅₅ by the OD₅₉₅ readings. The ratio of pAkt signal to total Akt signal was used to quantitate the extent of PI3K δ activation. The percentage inhibition for each well was calculated relative to a 10 μg/mL standard control (LY294002) set to 100% inhibition versus H₂O₂ only controls as 0% inhibition. The IC₅₀ values were calculated from the concentration-response curves generated by the serial dilutions of the test compounds.

PI3K γ Cell Based Assay

As a means of assessing the activation of PI3K γ in response to stimuli, the phosphorylation status of the protein, Akt, a downstream product of PI3K γ signalling, was determined following stimulation with MCP-1.

U937 cells were differentiated to macrophage-type cells by incubation with PMA (100 ng/mL) for 48 to 72 hr. Cells were then pre-incubated with either the test compound or vehicle for 2 hr and were then stimulated briefly with MCP-1 (10 nM, 1 min) and the reaction stopped by replacing the media with 4% formaldehyde solution. Endogenous peroxide activity and formaldehyde were inactivated by incubating with quenching buffer (0.1% sodium azide, 1% H₂O₂ in PBS with 0.1% Triton X-100) for 20 min. The cells were washed with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100) and were incubated with blocking solution (1% BSA in PBS) for 1 hr and were then re-washed with buffer and incubated overnight with either anti-pAkt antibody or anti-pan-Akt antibody (both from Cell Signaling Technology). After washing with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100), cells were incubated with an HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (Dako) and the resultant signal was determined colorimetrically (OD: 450 nm with a reference wavelength of 655 nm) using TMB substrate (substrate reagent pack supplied by R&D Systems, Inc.).

This reaction was stopped by addition of 1N H₂SO₄ solution (100 μL). Cells were then washed with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100) and 5% crystal violet solution (100 μL) was applied for 30 min. After washing with buffer (PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100) 1% SDS (100 μL) was added to each well and the plates were shaken lightly for 1 hr prior to measuring the absorbance at 595 nm (Varioskan® Flash, Thermo-Fisher Scientific). The measured OD₄₅₀₋₆₅₅ readings were corrected for cell number by dividing the OD₄₅₀₋₆₅₅ by the OD₅₉₅ readings. The ratio of pAkt signal to total Akt signal was used to quantitate the extent of PI3K γ activation. The percentage inhibition for each well was calculated relative to a 10 μg/mL standard control (LY294002) set to 100% inhibition versus MCP-1 only controls as 0% inhibition. The IC₅₀ values were calculated from the concentration-response curves generated by the serial dilutions of the test compounds using XL-Fit (idbs, Guildford, UK).

Superoxide Anion Production Assay

As a means of assessing PI3Kδ dependent cell function, superoxide anion production in IFNγ-primed U937 cells was evaluated by a chemiluminescence assay. The U937 cells (purchased from ATCC, Manassas, Va.) were maintained in RPMI 1640 (Invitrogen Ltd., Paisley, UK) with 10% FCS at 37° C. The cells were suspended at a density of 10⁷ cells/mL in 40 mL 10% FCS RPMI 1640, and treated with 20 μL of 100 μg/mL IFNγ solution (final concentration: 50 ng/mL), and incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 4 days.

IFNγ-primed U937 cells were seeded at 0.2×10⁶ cells/well in a 96-well plate, and pre-incubated with test compounds for 2 hr in starvation media (0.5% FCS RPMI1640-phenol red free). Zymosan A (10 mg) from Saccharomyses cerevisiae (ex Sigma-Aldlich) was resuspended in 1 mL of 150 mM NaCl and boiled at 100° C. for 15 min. After boiling, Zymosan particles were wash with 1 mL of PBS twice, and incubated with 0.5 mL of BioParticles™ opsonized reagents (Life technologies) for 60 min at 37° C. Cells were treated with a mixture of Zymosan particle solution (10 μL), assay buffer (85 μL), luminol (2.5 μL) and enhancer solution (2.5 μL), which are all provided (apart from Zymosan) in the Superoxide Anion Assay Kit (#CS1000, Sigma-Aldrich Ltd, Poole, UK). Chemiluminescence indicating released superoxide anion was measured every 15 min up to 60 min by luminometric measurement (Varioskan® Flash, Thermo-Fisher Scientific).

The data at 60 min after incubation was used for analysis. The percentage inhibition for each well was calculated relative to a 10 μg/mL IC87114, a standard PI3Kδ inhibitor, set to 100% inhibition versus control as 0% inhibition. The relative EC₅₀ values were calculated from the concentration-response curves generated by the serial dilutions of the test compounds using XL-Fit (idbs, Guildford, UK).

Cytostim-Induced Cytokine Production in PBMCs

As a means of assessing PI3Kδ-dependent cell function, cytostim-induced IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFNγ production in PBMCs were evaluated by Luminex multiplex assay. All healthy volunteers were recruited by Quintiles Limited (London, UK), and blood samples were delivered to Respivert Ltd. This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee, and all subjects gave written informed consent.

PBMC suspensions (200 μL; 2×10⁶ cells/mL) were added to a 96-well plate. Cells were treated with either test compounds in neat DMSO or DMSO as vehicle (2 μL) and incubated at RT for 1 hr. Cytostim (Miltentyi Biotec, Surrey, UK) was introduced at a ratio of 1:50 and the cells were incubated for 20 hr (37° C.; 5% CO₂). Plates were spun at 500×g for 5 min and the supernatant collected. A high sensitivity cytokine magnetic bead kit (#HSCYTMAG-60SK, Millipore, Watford, UK) was used to measure the four analytes (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFNγ) by Luminex as follows: The magnetic antibody beads were multiplexed and incubated in a 96-well plate with standard, media only or sample (50 μL) overnight with shaking at 4° C. After washing twice with Millipore wash buffer provided in the kit using a magnetic plate washer, the beads were incubated for 1 hr with detection antibody (50 μL) with shaking at RT. A streptavidin-phycoerythrin solution provided in the kit was added for 30 min with shaking at RT. After washing, the beads were re-suspended in sheath fluid (150 μL) and analysed immediately. The Luminex system was set up to count 50 beads and the amount of each analyte in the supernatant was calculated against a standard curve. The IC₅₀ values were determined from concentration-inhibition curves using XL-Fit (IDBS, Guildford, UK)

Chemotaxis to MCP1

As a means of assessing PI3K γ dependent cell function, THP1 cell chemotaxis to MCP-1 was evaluated using a 48 well-chemotaxis chamber. THP1 cells from a human leukemic monocyte lymphoma cell line, (purchased from ATCC Manassas, Va.) were maintained in RPMI 1640 (Invitrogen Ltd., Paisley, UK) with 10% FCS at 37° C. Cells were re-suspended in 0.5% BSA/RPMI1640 (2×10⁶ cells/mL) and incubated for 10 min at 37° C., 5% CO₂. Cell suspension aliquots (500 μL) were then treated either with compounds in neat DMSO or with DMSO as vehicle (2.5 μL) for 1 hr (37° C., 5% CO₂).

MCP1 (50 nM) was prepared in 0.5% BSA/RPMI1640. MCP1 solution (50 μL) was added to each well in the bottom plate of a 48-well chemotaxis chamber (AP48, NeuroProbe Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.). A polycarbonate membrane (8 μm) was mounted on the bottom chamber, and then the top plate was mounted on the bottom chamber and filter membrane. Cell suspension aliquots (50 μL) were treated with compounds or vehicle before being added into the top chamber carefully, and 0.5% BSA RPMI1640 (50 μL) was applied on top. The chamber was then left for 2 hr (37° C., 5% CO₂). The membrane was then carefully removed and sample (25 μL) from the bottom chamber was transferred to a new 96 well plate.

A solution of MTT (50 μL) in 10% FCS phenol red-free RPMI1640 was added to each well, and the plate was incubated for 2 hr (37° C., 5% CO₂). Neat DMSO (100 μL) was added to each well to extract formazan formed from MTT and the plates were shaken lightly for 1 hr prior to measuring the absorbance at 595 nm (Varioskan® Flash, Thermo-Fisher Scientific). Values were compared to inhibition by AS604850 (10 μg/mL), a selective PI3Kγ inhibitor, to calculate the relative percent inhibitions. Relative EC₅₀ values were determined from concentration-inhibition curves using XL-Fit (idbs, Guildford, UK).

CXCL8 Release from Neutrophils Obtained from COPD Patients

The effects of treatment on CXCL8 release from neutrophils obtained from COPD patients were evaluated by an ELISA assay. All patients were recruited by Quintiles Limited (London, UK), and blood samples were delivered to Respivert Ltd. This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee, and all subjects gave written informed consent. Whole blood (30 mL) was mixed gently with ACD (5 mL; comprising: 7.36 g citric acid, 14.71 g sodium citrate, 9.91 g dextrose in 250 ml sterile, double distilled water) and 6% dextran (15 mL; diluted in 0.9% NaCl) to remove the red blood cells. The tubes were incubated at RT for 45 min, and the supernatant (white cell rich fraction) was then collected, leaving the red blood cells.

This fraction was centrifuged (10 min at 1200 rpm, 4° C.) with low braking. The supernatant was aspirated and the pellet was re-suspended in ice-cold, sterile double distilled H₂O (10 mL), and 0.6 M KCl (4 mL) was added 30 seconds later. The cell suspension was diluted with sterile PBS (to a final volume of 50 mL) and then centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was aspirated and the pellet re-suspended in PBS (2.5 mL), and two tubes from the same donor were pooled into one.

This cell suspension was carefully layered on top of 5 mL of Ficoll-paque™ premium (GE Healthcare Bio Science AB, Uppsala, Sweden) using a Pasteur pipette, and then centrifuged (30 min at 1500 rpm with low braking). The isolated neutrophils at the bottom of the tubes were re-suspended in RPMI-1640 medium (Gibco, Paisley, UK) containing 5% FCS and seeded at a density of 4×10⁵ cells/well in a 96 well plate. The cells were incubated for 30 min (37° C.; 5% CO₂) before treatment was begun.

Neutrophils were pre-incubated with test compounds or with DMSO vehicle for 1 hr and then stimulated with TNFα (10 ng/mL). Cell free supernatant was collected at 3 hr after TNFα stimulation, and CXCL8 was measured by ELISA using DuoSet ELISA development kit (R&D systems, Abingdon, UK). The IC₅₀ values reported were determined from concentration-inhibition curves using XL-Fit (IDBS, Guildford, UK).

MTT Assay

PMA-differentiated U937 cells were pre-incubated with test compound (10 μg/mL) or vehicle for 4 hr in 5% FCS or 10% FCS for 24 hr. The supernatant was replaced with new media (200 μL) and MTT stock solution (10 μL, 5 mg/mL) was added to each well. After 1 hr incubation, the media were removed, 200 μL of DMSO was added to each well and the plates were shaken lightly for 1 hr prior to reading the absorbance at 550 nm. The percentage loss of cell viability was calculated for each well relative to vehicle (0.5% DMSO)-treatment.

In Vivo Screening: Pharmacodynamics and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

LPS-Induced Airway Neutrophil Accumulation in Mice

Non-fasted BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks old) were dosed with vehicle or with test compound by intra-tracheal administration (dose volume 20 μL) at time points T=−2 hr, −8 hr, or −12 hr with respect to the start of LPS treatment. The LPS was prepared in a solution of 0.5 mg/mL and aerosolised using a De Vibliss ultrasonic nebuliser 2000 (7 mL during 30 min exposure). At eight hr after LPS challenge, the trachea was cannulated and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) extracted by infusing and then withdrawing PBS (1 mL) into the lungs via the tracheal catheter. This procedure was repeated to give a yield of approximately 2 mL lavage fluid. Total cell numbers in the BALF samples were measured using a haemocytometer. Cytospin smears of the BALF samples were prepared by centrifugation at 1200 rpm for 2 min at RT and stained using a DiffQuik stain system (Dade Behring) for differential cell counts. Cells were counted using oil immersion microscopy. Data are expressed as neutrophil number of cells per mL of BALF (mean±S.E.M).

LPS-Induced Airway Neutrophil Accumulation in Rats

Non-fasted rats were dosed with either vehicle or the test compound by intra-tracheal administration (dose volume 100 μL) at time points T=−2 h, −8 h, or −12 h with respect to the start of LPS treatment. The LPS solution (0.3 mg/mL) was aerosolised using a De Vibliss ultrasonic nebuliser 2000 (7 mL during 30 min). At eight hr after LPS challenge, the trachea was cannulated and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) extracted by infusing and then withdrawing PBS (1 mL) into the lungs via the tracheal catheter. This procedure was repeated to provide approximately 2 mL of lavage fluid.

Total cell numbers in the BALF samples were measured using a Countess automated cell counter (Invitrogen). Cytospin smears of the BALF samples were prepared by centrifugation at 1200 rpm for 2 min at RT and stained using a DiffQuik stain system (Dade Behring) for differential cell counts. Cells were counted using oil immersion microscopy. Data are expressed as neutrophil number of cells per mL of BALF (mean±S.E.M).

Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Eosinophil and Neutrophil Accumulation in Mice

BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks old) were immunized with OVA (10 μg/mouse i.p.) on days 0 and 7. In order to elicit a local inflammatory response in the lung, mice were repeatedly challenged between days 13-15 with a nebulised solution of ovalbumin (10 mg/mL, 30 min exposure, De Vilibiss Ultraneb 2000). On day 17 each animal received via intra-tracheal administration of either vehicle or test compound 2 hr prior to the final OVA challenge. Animals were anaesthetized 8 hr later before undergoing a tracheotomy. BAL was obtained by instilling PBS (1 mL) into the lungs, which was then withdrawn. This procedure was repeated to provide approximately 2 mL of lavage fluid. Total cell numbers in the BALF samples were measured using a haemocytometer. Cytospin smears of the BALF samples were prepared by centrifugation at 200 rpm for 5 min at RT and stained using a DiffQuik stain system (Dade Behring) for differential cell counts. Cells were counted using oil immersion microscopy. Data is expressed as differential number of cells per mL of nasal lavage fluid (mean±S.E.M).

Poly-I:C-Induced Cell Accumulation in Mice

Specific pathogen-free NJ mice (males, 5 weeks old) were dosed with poly (I:C)-LMW (1 mg/mL, 40 μL) (InvivoGen, San Diego, Calif., USA) intranasally twice daily for 3 days under anaesthasia (3% isoflurane). Test substances were dosed intra-nasally (50 μL in 10% DMSO/isotonic saline vehicle) 2 hr before each poly-I:C treatment. At 24 hr after the last poly-I:C challenge, animals were anesthetized, the trachea was cannulated and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) was obtained by instilling into and then withdrawing from the lungs, isotonic saline (100 mL/kg). Total cell numbers in the BALF samples were measured using a haemocytometer under a phase-contrast microscope.

The proportions of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils were determined by FACS analysis using anti-mouse MOMA2-FITC (macrophage) or anti-mouse 7/4-FITC (neutrophil). Cells were suspended in PBS and incubated with anti-MOMA2-FITC (2 μg/mL, Catalogue no SM065F, Acris Antibodies GmbH, Herford, Germany) or anti-7/4-FITC (2 μg/mL, Catalogue no CL050F, Acris Antibodies GmbH, Herford, Germany) for 30 min at 30° C., and then counterstained with propidium iodide (2 μg/mL) to allow exclusion of necrotic cells. The cells were washed with PBS, and transferred to FACS tubes. Samples was set in a flow cytometer (ALTRA II; Beckman Coulter Japan, Tokyo, Japan), and a single-parameter FL2 [PMT2] (FITC) histogram with log x-axis was plotted to illustrate relative intensity of FITC. Data files were stored for subsequent analysis using Kaluza analysis software (ver. 1.2) to calculate the proportion of each cell type.

Cigarette Smoke Model

A/J mice (males, 5 weeks old) were exposed to cigarette smoke (4% cigarette smoke, diluted with compressed air) for 30 min/day for 11 days using a Tobacco Smoke Inhalation Experiment System for small animals (Model SIS-CS; Sibata Scientific Technology, Tokyo, Japan). Test substances were administered once daily for 3 days after the final cigarette smoke exposure (intra-nasal dose comprising 35 μL of solution in 50% DMSO/isotonic saline).

At 12 hr after administration of the last dose, animals were anesthetized, the trachea was cannulated and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) was carried out by the instillation into and then withdawal from the lungs, of PBS (100 mL/kg). Total cell numbers in the the BALF samples were measured using a haemocytometer under a phase-contrast microscope. The proportions of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils were determined by FACS analysis using anti-mouse MOMA2-FITC (macrophage) or anti-mouse 7/4 (neutrophil).

Cells were suspended in PBS and were incubated with anti-MOMA2-FITC (2 μg/mL, Catalogue no SM065F, Acris Antibodies GmbH, Herford, Germany) or anti-7/4-FITC (2 μg/mL, Catalogue no CL050F, Acris Antibodies GmbH, Herford, Germany) for 30 min at 30° C., and also counterstained with propidium iodide (2 μg/mL) to allow exclusion of necrotic cells. The cells were washed with PBS, and transferred to FACS tubes. Samples was set in a flow cytometer (ALTRA II; Beckman Coulter Japan, Tokyo, Japan), and a single-parameter FL2 [PMT2] (FITC) histogram with log x-axis was plotted to illustrate relative intensity of FITC.

Data files are stored for subsequent analysis using Kaluza analysis software (ver. 1.2) to calculate the proportion of each cell type. The levels of CXCL1(KC), MCP1, TNFα, IL-17 or osteopontin in BALF were determined using Quentikine® mouse KC, MCP1, TNFα, IL-17 or osteopontin ELISA kit (R&D systems, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., USA). The presence of malondialdehyde was measured using OxiSelect® TBARS Assay Kit (MDA Quantitation; Cell Biolabs Inc, San Diego, Calif., USA).

Summary of In Vitro and In Vivo Screening Results

The in vitro profile of the compound of formula (I), as determined using the methods described above is presented below (Tables 1, 2 and 3). The compound of the present invention demonstrates potent inhibition of both PI3K δ and γ isoforms, and shows no inhibitory activity versus PI3K α and only low inhibitory activity versus PI3K β in enzyme assays (Table 1).

These effects translate into potent inhibition of Akt phosphorylation induced by the stimulation of cells with either hydrogen peroxide or MCP-1, No effects on cell viability, resulting from incubation with the compound of formula (I), were detected (Table 2). Furthermore treatment of cells with the compound of formula (I) disclosed herein was found to inhibit production of ROS from U937 cells and of cytokines from cytostim-challenged PBMCs (Table 3).

It is notable that the likely metabolic product of the compound of formula (I), namely corresponding alcohol, compound (Ia), is a significantly less active inhibitor of both PI3K δ and γ isoforms than the compound of formula (I) (Table 2). Consequently the compound of formula (Ia), is a significantly less active inhibitor of ROS production from U937 cells and of cytokines from cytostim-challenged PBMCs (Table 3) than the compound of formula (I).

TABLE 1 Comparison of the PI3K isoform inhibitory activities of prior art compounds with Compound (I). Compound A

Example 50

IC₅₀ Values for PI3K inhibition Test at isozyme indicated (nM) Compounds PI3K α PI3K β PI3K δ PI3Kγ Compound (I) >13900 4890  2.5   28 Compound A¹   193 NT 12    25 Example 50²   653 NT  5.7  120 ¹Prior art compound disclosed in WO 2012/052753; ²Prior art compound disclosed in WO 2011/048111; NT not tested;

TABLE 2 The inhibitory activity of compounds (I) and (Ia) on PI3K enzyme isoforms; the inhibition of inducd phosphylation of Akt in cells and on cell viability. Cellular Activity PI3 Kinase Inhibition REC₅₀ values^(a) Cell Viability IC₅₀ value at in d-U937 cells (nM) MTT Assay^(b) Test state isozyme (nM) H₂O₂ MCP-1 in d-U937 cells Cmpd δ γ α β stimulus stimulus at 4 hr at 24 hr (I) 2.5 28 >13900 4890 7.4 16.5 −ve −ve (Ia) 17 577 >14200 >14200 ND ND −ve −ve ^(a)for the inhibition of induced Akt phosphorylation; ^(b)−ve indicates a value of <30% inhibition at 10 μg/mL; ND: not done

TABLE 3 The effects of the compounds of formula (I) and (Ia) on ROS production from U937 cells and cytokine release from PBMCs REC₅₀ ¹ or IC₅₀ ² value (nM) Cellular system Compound (I) Compound (Ia) Zymosan-induced Ros^(a) production 11.8 143 in IFNγ-primed U937 cells¹ Cytostim-induced IL-4 in PBMCs² <1.4 674 Cytostim-induced IL-5 in PBMCs² <1.4 14.5 Cytostim-induced IL-13 in PBMCs² <1.4 6.1 Cytostim-induced IFNγ in PBMCs² 13.8 60.8 THP1 cell chemotaxis to MCP1¹ 33.9 >14200 TNFα-induced CXCL8 in neutrophils 2.2 ND from COPD patients¹ ^(a)ROS: reactive oxygen species.

The effects of treatment with compound (I) on LPS-induced airway neutrophilia in mice and rats are reported in Tables 4 and 5, respectively. Treatment was found to produce a dose-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced neutrophilia in both species. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of treatment on cell accumulation were found to demonstrate a long duration of action.

TABLE 4 The Effects of Treatment with Compound (I) on LPS-induced airway neutrophilia in mice. Neutrophil numbers in BALF (×10⁵/mL, mean ± SEM) Compound (I) at pre-dose time indicated (% inhibition) (mg/mL) 2 hr 8 hr 12 h Vehicle 17.1 ± 2.5 — — 0.05 13.8 ± 2.5 (19) — — 0.2   8.0 ± 1.4 (53) 9.4 ± 2.0 (45) 13.1 ± 2.5 (23) 1.0   5.5 ± 0.9 (68) — — N = 8 animals per group

TABLE 5 The Effects of Treatment with Compound (I) on LPS-Induced Airway Neutrophilia in Rats. Neutrophil numbers in BALF (×10⁵/mL, mean ± SEM) Compound (I) at pre-dose time indicated (% inhibition) (mg/mL) 2 hr 8 hr 12 h Vehicle 15.1 ± 2.6 — — 0.05 13.2 ± 2.3 (9) — — 0.2   6.3 ± 1.6 (58) 10.1 ± 1.8 (33) 13.6 ± 2.7 (10) 1.0   4.1 ± 0.7 (73) — — N = 8 animals per group

The effects of treatment with compound (I) on allergen challenge-induced airway eosinophilia and neutrophilia in mice are reported in Table 6. Treatment of mice with the compound disclosed herein was found to produce a dose-dependent inhibition of both eosinophil and neutrophil accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage following allergen challenge.

TABLE 6 The effects of treatment with Compound (I) on ovalbumin-induced airway eosinophilia and neutrophilia in ovalubumin sensitized mice. Cell numbers in BALF Compound (I) (×10⁴/mL, mean ± SEM) and (% inhibition) (mg/mL) Eosinophils Neutrophils Vehicle 24.7 ± 3.1 9.8 ± 0.6 0.05 19.7 ± 3.2 (20) 8.0 ± 0.4 (18) 0.2   3.8 ± 0.9 (85) 2.9 ± 0.5 (70) 1    2.1 ± 0.4 (91) 2.0 ± 0.3 (80) N = 8 animals per group

The effect of treatment with compound (I) or with compound A on macrophage and neutrophil accumulation in BALF following exposure of mice to poly-I:C was also investigated. In this direct comparison, treatment with either compound (I) or compound A was found to produce a dose-dependent inhibition of poly-LC-induced macrophage and neutrophil accumulation into BALF (Table 7). It is notable that compound (I) shows significantly greater potency than compound A and this data is represented graphically for neutrophils (FIG. 1)

TABLE 7 The effects of treatment with Compound (I) or Compound A on poly-I:C-induced cell accumulation in mice airways. Treatment and dose of Cell numbers in BALF^(a) (×10⁴/mL) Compound (I) or Compound A and (% inhibition) (mg/mL) Macrophages Neutrophils Vehicle  3.6 ± 0.2  1.4 ± 0.1 Vehicle + Poly I: C 19.0 ± 0.5 11.6 ± 0.2 Compound (I) (0.002) + Poly I:C 11.5 ± 0.2 (49)  7.3 ± 0.3 (43) Compound (I) (0.02) + Poly I:C  8.3 ± 0.3 (69)  5.0 ± 0.2 (65) Compound (I) (0.2) + Poly I:C  6.8 ± 0.3 (79)  3.8 ± 0.2 (77) Compound A (0.02) + Poly I:C 14.3 ± 0.3 (31)  8.9 ± 0.2 (26) Compound A (0.2) + Poly I:C 11.0 ± 0.4 (52)  7.3 ± 0.3 (42) Compound A (2) + Poly I:C  7.8 ± 0.2 (73)  4.8 ± 0.2 (67) ^(a)The data for cell numbers are shown as the mean ± SEM; N = 5 animals per group

TABLE 8 The effect of treatment with Compound (I) ± fluticasone propionate on cigarette smoke (CS)-induced cell accumulation in murine BALF. Cell numbers in BAL^(b) (×10⁴/mL) Treatment and dose of and (% inhibition) Compound (I) (mg/mL) Macrophages Neutrophils Air + Vehicle  4.5 ± 0.3  1.5 ± 0.2 CS + Vehicle 17.9 ± 0.6 11.1 ± 0.5 CS + Compound (I) (0.02) 13.6 ± 0.2 (32)  8.6 ± 0.2 (26) CS + Compound (I) (0.2)  9.5 ± 0.2 (63)  6.0 ± 0.1 (54) CS + Compound (I) (2)  7.4 ± 0.3 (79)  4.6 ± 0.1 (68) CS + Compound (I) (0.02) + FP^(a) 13.6 ± 0.4 (32)  8.7 ± 0.2 (26) CS + Compound (I) (0.2) + FP^(a)  9.4 ± 0.3 (63)  5.8 ± 0.3 (55) CS + Compound (I) (2) + FP^(a)  7.0 ± 0.3 (81)  4.3 ± 0.2 (71) N = 5 animals per group; ^(a)FP = fluticasone propionate dosed at 50 μg/mL; ^(b)The data for cell numbers are shown as the mean ± SEM,

The effects of treatment with compound (I) on macrophage and neutrophil accumulation in BALF following exposure to cigarette smoke was determined (Table 8). The cigarette smoke model used for this study is reported to be a corticosteroid refractory system [To, Y. et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 2010, 182:897-904; Medicherla, S. et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2008, 324:921-9] and the data reveal that dexamethasone (0.3-10 mg/kg, p.o.) was, as anticipated, inactive. The effects of treatment with compound (I) on BALF neutrophils and on activated alveolar macrophage numbers demonstrate that it possesses anti-inflammatory activity when administered as a monotherapy. Moreover, when compound (I) was co-administered with fluticasone propionate, at a dose which lacks any significant effect as monotherapy, a marked enhancement of anti-inflammatory activity was detected. In a contemporaneous study, the effects of treatment, with compound A, of mice exposed to cigarette-smoke were evaluated. A comparison of these data with those presented above for compound (I), demonstrates that compound (I) is a more potent inhibitor of cigarette-smoke induced cell accumulation in murine BALF than is compound A (FIG. 2).

Tobacco smoke exposure also increased the concentrations of the inflammatory biomarkers CXCL1, MCP1, TNFα, IL17, osteopontin and malondialdehyde in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment with compound (I) decreased the concentrations of each of the biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with both compound (I) and fluticasone propionate in combination showed greater decreases in biomarker concentrations than was achieved with treatment with compound (I) alone (Table 9).

TABLE 9 The effect of treatment with Compound (I) ± fluticasone propionate on biomarkers in murine BALF. Inhibition¹ (%) Concentration of biomarker in BALF against treatment Compound (I) Compound (I) (pg/mL) (mg/mL) (mg/mL) + FP² Biomarker Air Tobacco 0.02 0.2 2 0.002 0.02 0.2 CXCL1 8.4 ± 0.1  18 ± 0.3 32 52 71 32 58 77 MCP-1 2.3 ± 0.2 7.2 ± 0.1 28 45 78 29 53 73 TNF α  1.5 ± 0.04 3.6 ± 0.1 22 38 62 22 39 64 IL-17 1.2 ± 0.1 2.7 ± 0.1 27 41 60 26 51 67 Osteopontin  11 ± 0.3  23 ± 0.4 22 44 63 21 45 62 MDA   0.3 ± 0.02³   1.6 ± 0.04³ 25 42 64 29 43 64 N = 5 animals per group; ¹Percentage inhibition with respect to tobacco, ²fluticasone propionate (0.5 mg/mL); ³These data are are μM values; are smoke control after subtracted air control values

In summary, the compound of the invention is a potent inhibitor of both PI3K δ and γ isoforms. The in vitro profile translates into a broad anti-inflammatory phenotype in vivo. In this setting, the inhibitory effects of the compound disclosed herein versus Poly I:C-induced cell accumulation in the airways is notable. It is also particularly striking that, unlike selective inhibitors of PI3K δ, treatment with compound (I) disclosed herein alone results in marked inhibition of cigarette-smoke induced airways inflammation and that these effects occur at lower doses when it is co-administered with a corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate, under conditions where treatment with the corticosteroid alone is without effect.

Throughout the specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer, step, group of integers or group of steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, group of integers or group of steps.

All patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

1-9. (canceled)
 10. An intermediate of formula (II):

wherein LG₁ represents a leaving group or a protected derivate thereof. 11.-12. (canceled) 